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Moving from Montana to Maine

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

ME state flag
Moving to

Maine

Capital: Augusta

Median household income $71,773 · winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

Maine has an overall price level 97.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Montana
94.6
Maine
97.0
Maine has 2.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Maine
78.9
Maine has 6.7% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Maine
99.3
Maine has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Maine
99.6
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
Maine has 110% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Maine
99.4
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Maine
$341,900
Maine is 20% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Maine
$905/mo
Maine is 3.0% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
Maine
79°F
Maine is 4.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Maine
11°F
Maine is 21% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Maine
43°F
Maine is 2.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Maine
196
Maine has 4.4% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Maine
45 in
Maine is 199% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Maine
33
Maine has 21% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Maine
81 in
Maine is 59% more annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaMaine report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Maine than Montana?

Maine's overall price level is roughly 96.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Montana tops out at 5.65% income tax. Maine tops out at 7.15%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Maine?

Most Maine residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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